Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

We have all seen the pictures and it breaks our hearts…malnourished children, thin & listless with hungry eyes & reaching hands. Maybe they are from the Syrian war-zone or victims of famine in North Africa. I recently saw images of starving children in North Korea, ignored by an autocratic regime hell-bent on achieving nuclear capabilities. According to the United Nations, 20 million people are at risk in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and Niger due to civil war & political unrest. Physical hunger is indeed a tragedy…especially when the capacity exists to feed the whole world.

But Jesus spoke of an even deeper and more profound hunger…a hunger that while not as obvious to the eye, is every bit as debilitating to the soul. And, that hunger is for relationship and connection with God. God created us with a real need to know Him and to know more about Him every single day. For Jesus, this need was even greater than His need for physical food, even after He had fasted for 40 days (read Matthew 4:1-4)!

The tragedy in America is that we are well-fed physically. In fact, obesity is epidemic, but so many Christians are on a spiritual starvation diet. Jesus nailed it when He said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Are you thriving or starving spiritually?

Let me help you answer that question. If you are intentionally making room in your life to hear from God and His Word, to learn of Him and grow deeper in your relationship with Him and others, then you are growing. If not, then you are spiritually malnourished…you are hungry.

In 2018, GLCC is redoubling efforts to provide many opportunities for healthy spiritual food in community with other believers. But, you have to make time to actually sit down and eat the meal. This involves commitment, intention, and follow through. We call this processes “discipleship.”

In addition to our existing connect groups, and our men’s & women’s Bible studies, we have 4 more opportunities to help you to grow. Beginning February 4, on Sunday mornings during our 11:30am Discipleship Hour, you can engage in one of the following:

• Communication and Conflict Resolution in Marriage (Co-Leaders: Matt & Beth Caudle, Steve & Maria Willis & Steve & Pam Benedict)
• Knowing God ~ Do you know about God or actually KNOW Him? (Co-Leaders: Mike Annanie & Matt Patti)
• Apologetics 101 ~ Learn and defend your faith. (Co-Leaders: Matt Herbek & Lance Utne)